Today, more than 90 Jewish clergy from across Illinois published a bold letter in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Representing diverse denominations and communities, these leaders are speaking out against the escalating ICE campaign in our state and calling on elected officials to pass the S.A.L.T. legislative package.

They write:

“As Jewish clergy serving communities across Chicago and Illinois, we write in opposition to the escalating campaign of fear and repression in our city and suburbs by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Our history teaches us that safety cannot come from repression, that it comes from connection, showing up for our neighbors, and from refusing to be silent when the state’s power is used to target and isolate a community.”

See the full letter and list of signatories here.

JCUA is proud to have crafted this letter in collaboration with the Illinois Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-IL) and local clergy. We brought together a multiracial, multi-denominational coalition of leaders to speak out — rooted in our Jewish values and tradition.

We know a better future is possible. By joining together, we can confront assaults on our freedoms and pass real solutions that protect the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all families.